Michelin extends tyre agreement with WRC till 2019

Michelin have signed a new tyre agreement with the FIA World Rally Championship till the end of the 2019 season.

The French tyre manufacturer signed the deal with the WRC Promoter to ensure that Michelin are the Official Tyre Supplier for the WRC for another three years.

Under the new agreement, Michelin will enjoy prominent branding at all WRC rounds, as well as championship materials and WRC Promoter’s digital communications outlets.

Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon said “We are honoured to be working so closely with the factory teams and the confidence they have in us keeps driving us to design the best possible tyres.”

“Our loyalty to the sport is also due to the close ties that exist between the discipline and everyday motoring, since the WRC features roads and tracks that are used by ordinary motorists.”

Couasnon also spoke about the challenges that Michelin face with the newer, more powerful 2017 World Rally Cars.

“The more powerful cars that are poised to make their debut in 2017 pose a fresh challenge for our engineers whose mission is to continue conceiving tyres that are not only increasingly competitive, but also safer and more versatile.

“For Michelin, competing in the next three WRC seasons will provide us with further opportunities to innovate and showcase our expertise.”

WRC Promoter Managing Director Oliver Ciesla added “I’m delighted Michelin has furthered its commitment to WRC for another three years.

“Michelin was winning world rallies when the WRC started and more than 40 years later it is still on top of the podium, and hoping to reach two more landmarks this weekend.

“Michelin’s name is synonymous with the WRC. The tough and varied conditions that the WRC offers provide an ideal platform for the company to highlight the proficiency of its tyres in the heat of competition.”